Twin tons guide Aussies to series lead

Centuries from captain Steve Smith and George Bailey triumphed a big ton from Rohit Sharma as Australia comfortably beat India by five wickets in the first ODI, of the five-match series, in Perth on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 310, Smith hit 149 from 135 balls while Bailey contributed a steady 112 as the Aussies cruised to victory with four balls to spare.
It was stuttering start to the home team's batting innings though as India's debutant seamer Barinder Sran struck twice within the first five overs to reduce the hosts to 21 for two.
In what can only be described as a dream first bowling stint in international cricket, Sran first had Finch caught and bowled for eight then got David Warner to drive uppishly to mid-off and he was gone for five.
Smith and Bailey got Australia back on track as they combined to add 242 for the third wicket to virtually seal the match for the home team.
The home team lost the wickets of Bailey and Glenn Maxwell (6) and Smith towards the end but Mitchell Marsh (12*) and James Faulker (1*) saw their side over the finish line.
Earlier, India had a massive partnership of 207 between Rohit and Virat Kohli for the second wicket to thank for them reaching 309 for three after 50 overs.
The pair came together with the score on 36, in the seventh over, as opener Shikhar Dhawan fell to Josh Hazlewood for nine after the visitors opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Rohit carried his bat to be unbeaten on 171 at the end while Kohli perished for 91 with five overs left in the innings.
The second ODI takes place in Brisbane on Friday.
Latest
-
News
England quick Saqib Mahmood to miss rest of season with stress fracture of back
The Lancashire fast bowler would have been a certain inclusion in the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
News
England change to continue with new limited-overs coach and revamped Test squad
Things have been moving quickly at the England and Wales Cricket Board with Rob Key.
-
News
On this day in 2010: England beat Australia for Twenty20 World Cup final glory
The Australians had been restricted to just 147 for six from their 20 overs.
-
News
James Anderson removes Joe Root for just four but Yorkshire thwart Lancashire
Harry Brook came to Yorkshire’s rescue to secure a Roses draw.
-
News
Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting
The former Australia all-rounder was killed in a car crash at the age of 46.
-
News
Tributes to an ‘extraordinary player and even better human being’ Andrew Symonds
Symonds died aged 46
-
News
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in Queensland car crash
The 46-year-old played over 200 times for Australia across all formats.
-
News
Cricket world reacts to tragic death of ex-Australia player Andrew Symonds
The ‘cult figure’ of the sport was killed in a car-crash on Saturday night.
-
News
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in car crash aged 46
Symonds played 26 Tests and 212 limited-overs internationals for his country.
-
News
Joe Root century checks Lancashire’s victory bid in Roses clash
Jack Leach took an eight-wicket match haul as Somerset claimed victory over neighbours Gloucestershire.